Ch..Ch..Ch..Changes~

I don't know about you, but it feels like every time my world starts to fall into any sort of comfortable pattern, life kicks me in the stomach.

For example...

The Hubby and I bought our first home in Massachusetts at the height of the market. We were so excited! We bought in a great neighborhood. The kids went to a great school. The hubby's contracting business was doing well. And then...we all know what happened...the housing market crashed. Hard! And that wasn't a good thing for contractors either. The work slowed down. Our house decreased in value. We got to a point where we had to sell it. Thankfully, we sold it quickly, and we only lost our down payment.

So we moved to Utah - in January of last year. We planned on renting a house for a couple of years while we saved up a new down payment for another house. Things went well for while. Then, as many of you know, in August of last year, the Hubby was in a near fatal car accident. Thankfully, he survived...but he basically crushed his right leg, broke 8 ribs and punctured a lung. Needless to say, his recovery has been slow. Now, unless you're really paying attention, it's hard to see him limping, but he does. And if he's on his leg for any length of time it swells terribly. So working is still difficult for him. He hasn't really been able to work since the accident, and that has been hard on both of us. But, with retirement money, and the money I make from the blog, we've gotten by. Our neighborhood is FANTASTIC, the kids school is amazing, they have a great group of friends. In short, we're really happy here.

You can see it coming, can't you?

About three weeks ago, we found out that our landlords are selling the house. Yep. Selling it. They offered us first dibs if we'd like to buy it. But, of course, we can't. So now we have to move. Yuck. I really hoped to stay in the house we're in until we could buy another one. No such luck.

We have an opportunity to rent a place that is really a blessing considering the situation we find ourself in. Thing is, it's about 40 minutes south of where we are now. A great town, and family close by. We feel blessed that it has come up. It will mean downsizing (not that we live in such a palatial house now). But that's good. There are boxes down in our basement that we've carried with us from move to move for probably 10 years...it's time they went. It will also mean a new school for the kiddos, new friends, new experiences. (Not to mention a new place to decorate!)

And so, despite the fact that I cried when I first found out we have to move again, I've come to embrace it as a new opportunity. A reinvention if you will. I hope you'll join me on this little journey. It should be an adventure!

And another fun change is on the way (well, fun for me at least). The blog is in the middle of a redesign! I'm loving what's going to be the new look and can't wait to share it with you all in the very near future. So if you pop over one day, and everything looks different...don't worry...it's just a change for the better!

And on an entirely unrelated note, it's about time I announce the winner of the Lisa Leonard Gift Certificate....KIM WEBB!! Congratulations Kim. Please email me, ane we'll get you set up with your prize!!

You and your husband are an inspiration...good for you having such a positive attitude...I'm sure your children are going to be great people because of the example you and your husband set for them...and I can't wait to see all the new decorating!!!...change is good and all things happen for a reason...xoxo, Mariaelena

Moving is difficult and takes a toll on our emotions. You sound like a very very strong woman.I wish the very best for you!keep up the blog it will help you get through these difficult times and yes it makes others happy!In years you will look back and understand why you and your family had to go through this!God BlessLisahttp://www.pieces-from-the-past.com/

I too understand about changes. 2011 has hit me hard right from the beginning. Although I haven't shared on my blog about it yet, I can empathize with "reinventing" yourselves. The Lord has taught me in this season I find myself not to hold on to anything "too tightly". So all the more I hold on to Him who never changes. Try to remember this is indeed a "season" and this too shall pass.Blessings & Hugs,Karen

Your story is so similar to mine. Limbo, as we call it, is a really tough place to be and is hard on the family. Change can be great... blessing in disguise. There is a short, little book that my mother-in-law shared with me called "Who Moved My Cheese" that was an inspirational read during our period of change :) Hang in there!

I truly admire your positive attitude. I hope things go well with your move. It will be interesting to look back on this period of your life and see what the Lord taught you. I hope you have many around you to buoy you up. Wishing you and your family the best.

I always read your posts and have you on my blog list, you are a very strong woman and I so admire you and your family! Everything happens for a reason, the good Lord only does good things for us!I've been thinking of paying to have my blog done and read where someone would do it for 40.00 but of course I didn't write it down. I can't wait to see yours done!

My husband and I will be renting a home for the first time and this is one of our fears...that we will have to move again! I'm sorry this has happened to you. Moving is a pain in the neck! But it does sound like it will all work out for the best. It still can be difficuly while going through it. During this whole move my family is going through I just have to kepp reminding myself that God has plans to prosper us not harm us. Then God brings me His peace. Your family will be in my prayers. :)

My thoughts will be with you as you prepare to move again - both physically and emotionally. Your moves remind me of my MIL who was a military wife. Moving was part of her life and I know at times it was trying on her but she always faced each move with strength and grace. Here's hoping that your new home will bring your soul peace and happiness!

Wendy, it is strange that although I really don't know you, and have never met you, I think of you often. Not only because of your fab blog, but because of the strength you've shown us all in the challenges that you've overcome in the past year. I know you will rise to this one too, and you and your family will be ok. Better than ok. Betcha you have a ton of us bloggers sending you and your family our thoughts and prayers-I know I am.

Sometimes change brings new opportunities that you never imagined. Hopefully this change will be a positive thing for your family. You certainly have a positive outlook and that's a good thing. Wishing you blessings as you make this transition!

I too can relate. We currently have been renting our house for the past two years, and LOVE it! However, two months ago we were told we would have to move because the owners are selling it. Unfortunatly like so many others we've been hit hard by the economy too, and are not in a position to buy. We've had a horrible time finding a house, but finally we did. We get the keys Monday! The house is smaller, but very nice, and I think it'll work just fine. We know people who live nearby, and will be doing some carpooling! Life sure does like to throw us curve balls. My dad always tells me I'm strongeer than I think, and I believe you are too. Good luck with the move. Can't wait to see what you do to the new house. I LOVE your blog:)

I felt like I was reading my life story...just a few differences...we were hit by the economy and to make a long story short we are also in the middle of moving...a little more then 40 miles...We are moving from MD to NC and the adventurous part (not) is that we just moved to MD in December from NC....Like you we are renting for a couple years until we can save for a down payment again...it's why I call it my "Crazy Beautiful Life"...if you don't embrace it you will go crazy and I have cried many times so know you are not alone and have a lot of shoulders to cry on...

Aww... that happened to my grandmother after 20+ years in the same house. She had to move at 88! It stinks b/c it is so out of your control. Way to have a good attitude though! Sometimes when life piles on SO much of the rough stuff what was previously difficult isn't so bad ... Wishing you luck. :)

so much at once. Hugs to you! Moving is so hard. and I can't imagine how hard it's been since your husband's accident. When I first read about that, my heart stopped and I felt sick, and I don't even know you guys...!! (((BIG BLOGGY HUGS)))

You've had so much thrown at you in the past year! I admire your positive attitude - that will help you through any changes life brings. I hope your move goes smoothly & you will learn to love the new house & the decorating adventures it will bring.

WOW! your family has endured quite a bit and it sounds like you have an amazing outlook on life. It is so hard when challenges and difficult times arise, but you are really finding the positive and the new learning out of the situations which is making you such a strong person. Best of luck with your new "adventure" and I will be here watching you succeed!

Take it from me, someone who is in your shoes {except my hubby isn't hurt or recovering} always look at your change as a new adventure in your life. We moved back to Canada as the market crashed after living in Virginia for a few years, where we LOVED it. But felt it was best to come "home" But we are renting again {that last time was the landlords in Virginia that lost the house we were renting and we had to move} The housing market in Vancouver is ridiculously expensive and we just sit and wait {and try to be patient} So I am trying to decorate this rental home as best as I can.

I can see good things around the corner for you! Keep your chin up! My kids have just become stronger and sure know how to make friends after moving so many times!